Harold told the Daily Star Sunday: "I've always wanted to be an actress. I didn't do very well at school because I became ill in my final year. I worked for a local catering company but I couldn't stop thinking about being an actress. Every night I would search the internet for acting schools.

"I've been very lucky to have been given such a great character and I still can't quite believe everything that's happened to me. It's been a whirlwind."

Harold added: "[Lola's] had a tough upbringing and needs some stability, which Billy provides. I've already had letters from kids who have grown up in care homes saying how much they love Lola."